The Struggle

In this podcast we chronicle the complex development and eventual decline of the Wilts & Berks Canal and its interconnected waterways. We detail the ambitious plans, engineering challenges, and financial hurdles faced during its construction, including the involvement of prominent engineers like Robert & William Whitworth.

We also highlight the intricate political landscape and fierce competition with other canal companies, particularly concerning coal trade and water rights, which often led to disputes and altered designs.

We finish on the struggle to remain viable in the face of railway expansion, leading to its eventual abandonment and the subsequent efforts to repurpose its infrastructure. 17 minutes

The Canal in Swindon

This podcast details the history and decline of the Wilts and Berks Canal, focusing on its construction, trade, and eventual abandonment.

It begins by outlining the origins and development of canals in Southern England, particularly those in the Wiltshire area like the Stroudwater, Thames and Severn, and the Kennet and Avon Canals, setting the stage for the Wilts and Berks Canal.

We closely examine the Wilts and Berks Canal's operations, its economic impact on Swindon, and the various goods it transported, contrasting trade patterns

Finally, we explore the challenges posed by railway competition, the canal's gradual decay, and the protracted process of its abandonment, including financial dealings, attempts at revival, and the ultimate passing of the 1914 Act that sealed its fate. 18 minutes

The Wheeler Report

In this podcast we review a report from October 1900, which includes a comprehensive assessment of the Wilts and Berks Canal.

This report was prepared for landowners, examines the canal's current condition, its historical background, and the potential benefits or drawbacks of its restoration or abandonment. It meticulously details the canal's physical state, including the widespread deterioration of locks, the presence of stagnant, weed-choked waterways, and the poor condition of many bridges.

Furthermore, the report analyzes the canal's diminishing traffic and revenue, highlighting the competition from the Great Western Railway and the limited prospects for future trade.

Finally, it outlines the estimated costs for repair and maintenance if the canal were to be made navigable again, alongside considerations regarding the sale of water rights and potential liabilities upon abandonment. 17 minutes